I recently learned how to crochet — out of necessity: I was a lumberjack for Halloween, and I wanted to crochet my own beard, so my friend Fonda offered to teach me. I found the perfect variegated brown yarn (or so I thought), started a couple of hours before my friends and I were supposed to go out, and finished right before we left. It turned out great! But, note to self: next time, don’t make a beard out of wool. I think I ended up swallowing some of it throughout the night. (Also, a lumberjack costume is really sweaty on the dance floor.)

Well, now I’m turning my attention to holiday gifts. I’ve been eyeing some of the cool projects I could make, now that I have crochet skills. Here are 11 crocheted objects that I’d be happy to give or receive as holiday gifts. Please share your own favorite crocheted gifts in the comments!